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Paddle Clinic

SUP Ocean Skills

Ocean Skills Clinic is a condensed package for the developing paddler, fitness enthusiast and racer.

Paddling out on the ocean is at the heart of SUPing and no where is more stunning than the Cornish Coastline of St. Ives. We understand that making the transition from predominantly flat water paddling to out in the open water can be daunting and at times frustrating. Our goal is to help you make this transition from flat water battler to gliding down ocean swells with ease – our ethos is to share our combined knowledge to help develop both confidence and skills in safe but challenging environment. And where better than at the heart of open water SUP paddling in the UK at the Ocean Sports Centre in Carbis Bay.

Salt water and the ocean is in our DNA. Having spent a lifetime out in the ocean as super stoked groms spending every waking hour surfing the beaches of Newquay to working as professional beach lifeguards with over 28 years experience in far flung places as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

It was logical the our pass time would give way to competing in the ocean, ultimately leading to training and racing Internationally with the worlds best at World and European championships. Our experiences in the ocean combined with our sports science, educational and lifeguarding background truly places you in a knowledgeable and safe hands. With as sense of adventure a healthy does of respect of the ocean and sense of fun your experience with us will leave you not only more skilled but with a new found sense of confidence to tackle more challenging conditions.

We guarantee that after a weekend paddling with us you will develop a skill set that will leave you buzzing and keen to get back out for more.

Clinic Format

We aim to deliver bespoke clinics with informal workshops on and off the water. We feel that the best learning often happens when hanging out with other paddlers and having open discussions.

The Ocean Sports Centre will be our base. Situated on the beach (literally) we will take the opportunity to refuel and rest between paddles and cover topics related to efficient forward paddle technique using our SUP ergo with video analysis software, to how to maximise and plan training, how to route plan and to pro actively liaise with rescue services and self rescue techniques in open water and surf.

Hot topics of paddle selection and length optimal stroke rate (based upon our own published data) to current board design. Other topics can include but are by no means limited to:

Open water

negotiating shore break and surf line

rough water paddling technique

dealing with head wind

Downwind

footwork

timing

equipment and safety procedures

route planning

Race Prep

Racing starts

buoy turns

drafting

hydration

tapering

race tactics

And lots more including how we have learnt the hard way so that you don’t have to!

Want something a little more personal then book onto our bespoke one to one sessions.

Who

We have two of the finest Watermen in the UK guiding you – as professional lifeguards, athletes and educators there is no one better to help you learn more about ocean skills.

Ollie Shilston

Achievements

4x Great Britain ISA World Championships representative

Great Britain SUP Racing Team Captain

BSUPA British long distance race Champion 2015

3rd long distance 12’6 – Battle of the Paddle California 2014

Qualifications

16 years Beach Lifeguard experience (UK, Australia, South Africa)

SLSGB Beach lifeguard trainer/Assessor

ASI SUP level 2 Instructor

SUP paddling has given me so many more options to enjoy the ocean. Conditions here in Cornwall can be wild but I love knowing whatever the weather and sea conditions I can paddle or surf and have fun on the SUP.

Being able to offer ocean skills paddle clinics here in Cornwall is something I’ve always wanted to do. To be able help further paddler’s skills in a safe way in my training environment is very exciting.

My family and the ocean are my passion. I firmly believe that everyone is capable of getting out in the sea experiencing things they would never have thought able to when given the right tuition and support – the Ocean Skills Clinic is the perfect way to do this.

The foundation for what I do today all started with Jam sandwiches! As a grommet I would take every opportunity to get in the sea, cycling six miles to Fistral beach armed with a boogie board, fluorescent zinc sunblock and enough jam sandwiches to keep me going for twelve hours! Who could want for a better cornerstone to become a Waterman – I have spent a life time immersed in the ocean, competing, working as a professional beach lifeguard in the UK and Australia and surfing whichever craft I could get my hands on in a variety of conditions. As a result I have developed a unique set of skills; together with my Sports Science Masters degree I am able to pass on a wealth of practical information combined with the latest in sport science research.

Carbis bay is the ultimate paddling location in the UK, and according to on of the worlds top female paddlers, Fiona Wylde, Carbis bay is in her top three locations to paddle in the world! We tend to agree with Fiona but she is not on her own; Jim Terrell, ‘the mad scientist’ of Quickblade paddles thought Carbis Bay looked like a slice of Hawaii out on the water. And who would argue with that?

From tranquil turquoise waters of the Carbis paddlers are able to venture out into a variety of ocean conditions from surfing rolling waves with rides over 200m, chasing bumps from the ‘island’ or testing your skills on the poles we have enough conditions to challenge every ability within the bay. The beauty of where we are situated is proximity of the south coast with a number of downwind routes perfect for the developing paddler, secluded coves and some that can only be reached by boat! adds even more variety to what we can offer you on this unique paddling experience.

Is getting your boards to Cornwall a hassle? Don’t worry, as Starboards flagship open water centre when you book advance we can get you on the model that suits you best. Better still why not take the opportunity to paddle the legendary 14’ Ace or the all conquering 2016 Allstar.

We might be in the deep South West but travelling to us couldn’t be easier (especially now that Starboard has your boards sorted), fly into Newquay airport and we will pick up and whisk you down to St’Ives. Want a more relaxing start to the weekend? take the train to Penzance and you will be welcomed at the station and taken straight to your accommodation. Easy!